IN BRIEF Boost for northern breeder businesses Astrategic research “The cost‑benefit ratio for the NB2 NB2’s three extension and partnership to address program has been calculated as a total adoption pillars – herd breeder efficiency in increase in income for the 250 herds of management, feedbase and northern Australia launched in approximately $20 million over seven environment – aim to deliver: August, with the target of delivering years, which equates to a 5:1 return an estimated $20 million in net on investment.” benefits a year to 250 northern NB2 will establish four regionally beef enterprises by 2027. diverse pilot producer groups of five Northern Breeding Business (NB2) is a beef business partners across northern 5% increase Australia – one in the Kimberley in weaning rate seven‑year on‑farm program developed region of WA, one in the NT and two in by MLA in association with the North Queensland – to provide direction and Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC), insight to the project. aimed at increasing calf survival and breederherd efficiencyacross the “It will create customised breeding northernbeef industry plansfor breeding properties with the . assistance of a network of consultants 1% decrease It will address the three main threats and producer mentors,” Michael said. in herd mortality rate to the northern beef industry: • calf loss The process includes: low rofitap bility • on‑property assistance and ongoing • support from a group of producers • low levels of adoption of proven in a similar region with common management practices. production challenges 10kg increase MLA General Manager, Research, • assistance to identify issues which in sale weight of cattle at the same age Development and Adoption, Michael specifically limit the performance Crowley, said NB2 will soon begin of breeder herds, as well as recruiting northern producers to overall productivity participate in on‑farm research, • support to build a customised development, extension and adoption breeder herd management plan long‑term (RDE&A) activities. to cost‑effectively address the sustainable production and profit, “Calf mortality and poor reproductive issues identified. performance havea major impact on “Although the program focuses on reproductive efficiency and profitability Producers interested in reproductive performance and calf participating in NB2 can contact: for the northern beef industry. mortality, outcomes will be expected “Past levy‑funded activities have deliveredto impact on productivity and Nigel Tomkins nderstanding of these issues and sustainability as well – it’s expected MLA Program Manager – an u Grassfed Beef Productivity of best management practices, but the participants will gain a better E: ntomkins@mla.com.au uptake of these practices has remained understanding of their overall business low,” Michael said. through the process.” Read the MLA Strategic Plan 2025 NB2 aligns with MLA’s focus on at: mla.com.au/strategicplan “NB2 will extend the current network of research and development, deliver new delivering ‘fewer, bigger and bolder’ activities in extension, and promote programs of work, as part of MLA’s adoption to directly assist producers in Strategic Plan 2025. The initiative for managing measurable improvements in establishing NB2 came out of MLA’s breeder herd efficiency. regional consultation framework. ■ 5